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Thiago Silva Accuses Lionel Messi of Hypocrisy After Copa America Referee Blast

Brazil captain Thiago Silva has accused Lionel Messi of hypocrisy in the aftermath of his Copa America corruption claims, suggesting the Argentina star has been guilty of manipulating officials in the past.

Messi blasted the referees at this summer's Copa America after he was sent off in their third-place play-off win over Chile, saying the tournament was set up in favour of hosts Brazil.

The Selecao knocked his Argentina side out in the semis before beating Peru 3-1 in Sunday's final. Silva told reporters Messi was guilty of playing the referee when Paris Saint-Germain suffered a 6-1 humiliation at Barcelona's hands during the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League round of 16:

"This is difficult for us to comment on.